Master of the skies: Indian Air Force has a new pride and joy as C-17 arrives in Hindon

The Indian Air Force (IAF) now has the biggest aircraft in its fleet as the first of the 10 C-17 Globemaster III, ordered from the US, touched down at the Hindon airbase on Tuesday afternoon.

The Hindon airbase on the outskirts of the Capital has turned into a crucial installation site as it will be home to C-17 Globemaster III transporters. It already houses C-130 J special operation aircraft squadron Veiled Vipers.

India's first C 17 Globemaster III touches down at the Hindon airbase in Delhi

Imposing: The aircraft is the largest in the IAF's fleet

The C-17 took off from Edwards Air Force Base in Palmdale, California on June 11, flown by an IAF crew led by Group Captain B.S. Reddy.

Before it landed at Hindon, it stopped over at Spain and UAE. The stay at the UAE was extended as a high ceiling of cloud prevented it from landing on Monday.

With 10 aircraft, the IAF will be the biggest operator of C-17 Globemaster III after the US.

The aircraft has special capabilities of operating from extremely short runways. It can carry more than 100 troops with their equipment and has a long reach of more than 5,000km without refuelling.